Applied Practice Program | 東京大学ブロックチェーンイノベーション

> Blockchain Applied Practice Program

Exploring new possibilities for blockchain through cross-disciplinary inquiry.
An interdisciplinary, practice-oriented program offered by the University of Tokyo.

> What is the Blockchain Applied Practice Program?

The Blockchain Applied Practice Program is a selective program designed around the themes of exploration and emergence, developed in collaboration with leading blockchain platform organizations and communities in Japan and abroad.

The program combines the academic expertise of the University of Tokyo with the practical knowledge of major blockchain platform organizations and Japanese communities that have played key roles in developing real-world applications and advancing the blockchain ecosystem. Through this collaboration, the program provides an advanced learning environment that goes beyond the acquisition of knowledge. Participants engage in interdisciplinary learning, discussion, and output-oriented activities aimed at cultivating individuals capable of generating new value in the blockchain field.

Blockchain technology itself is relatively new, originating from the publication of the Bitcoin paper in 2009. In the decade that followed, new use cases such as DeFi and NFTs have emerged, and the broader blockchain ecosystem has undergone rapid and significant transformation.

While many of the assets currently circulating on blockchains remain cryptocurrencies, which are often associated with price volatility, recent developments such as the spread of stablecoins and the growing interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization have highlighted blockchain’s potential as an infrastructure supporting real-world financial systems.

Within the Applied Practice Program, blockchain is approached not merely as a technological topic but as a societal infrastructure. The program provides a space where participants can explore how blockchain-based systems may be implemented in ways that meaningfully contribute to society. Finance represents one prominent area of application, offering an important context in which the intersection between blockchain and existing social systems can be examined.

However, this perspective is not limited to finance. In recent years, blockchain technologies have expanded into a wide range of domains, including digital content, intellectual property management, decentralized organizations (DAO), digital identity, and integration with AI systems. While the transparency of public blockchains is a defining feature, balancing transparency with privacy remains an important challenge. As a result, cryptographic technologies that support such infrastructure are becoming increasingly significant.

Understanding these diverse possibilities and developing the ability to envision practical applications from a cross-disciplinary perspective will be increasingly important in the years ahead. The Applied Practice Program aims to cultivate individuals capable of engaging with these challenges and contributing to the evolution of blockchain as a societal infrastructure.

> Learning Format: Study Groups (SG)

Participants will belong to one of several Study Groups (SGs), where they will engage in focused learning and discussion within a specific thematic area. Each SG is designed around a particular field or topic, and differs in scale, learning style, and intended outcomes.

Planned SG themes include:

Finance × Blockchain
Cryptography × Blockchain
Contemporary Art × Blockchain
Mobility × Blockchain
Web3 Product Design
High School Program (for high school students only)

In addition to their primary SG, participants may also join activities organized by other SGs, allowing them to explore interdisciplinary perspectives depending on their interests.

Each SG has its own capacity, participant profile, and expected outcomes. Applicants are therefore encouraged to review the detailed description of each SG before applying. (Detailed curricula for each SG will be announced at a later date.)

In addition, an optional program will run in parallel in which interested participants can form teams across SGs to explore new business ideas or project concepts.

The program adopts the following learning principles:

A highly interactive learning environment centered on discussion
Active participation based on strong individual initiative
Deepening understanding through continuous output and presentation

> Study Group Overview

Below is a brief introduction to each SG.

Finance × Blockchain
Program Design and Lead: Kyohei Shibano (The University of Tokyo)

In recent years, global interest has grown in the intersection between traditional financial systems and blockchain technology, driven by developments such as the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) and the expansion of stablecoins. At the same time, finance is a domain in which institutions, markets, and infrastructure have evolved and been refined over a long historical period. Introducing new technologies without a sufficient understanding of these structures can lead to inefficiencies or even new forms of systemic risk. Against this backdrop, this Study Group aims to cultivate participants who can examine the relationship between finance and blockchain from a structural perspective. Rather than focusing on superficial technological applications, the program emphasizes a deep understanding of existing financial systems and explores where blockchain technologies can genuinely provide value. Developing the ability to analyze both traditional finance and emerging technologies with a high level of conceptual clarity is considered essential for sustainable real-world implementation. The SG does not treat topics such as RWA, stablecoins, or DeFi as isolated themes. Instead, participants first examine how existing financial systems are structured and how markets function. On that basis, they explore where blockchain technologies may meaningfully interact with or reshape those structures. The goal is not simply to produce individuals familiar with both TradFi (traditional finance) and DeFi (decentralized finance). Rather, participants are encouraged to understand why financial products, market mechanisms, institutions, and infrastructure have taken their current forms. By identifying the core functions and frictions within these systems, the program explores both the possibilities and the limits of redesigning them through blockchain technologies. Particular attention is given to understanding the roles historically played by institutions such as banks, exchanges, and payment networks. The program consists of eight sessions conducted over approximately eight weeks. Each session is centered on discussion with leading experts from the fields of finance and blockchain. Participants are expected to review assigned materials in advance and engage in presentations and discussions based on those readings, deepening their understanding through dialogue with practitioners and specialists. Assigned materials are expected to approximately 100 pages per session and may include English-language academic or industry literature. The objective of this SG is not to arrive at a single “correct answer,” but to enable participants to articulate in their own words how finance and blockchain intersect and what meaningful integration between them might look like.

Cryptography × Blockchain
Program Design and Lead: ZK Tokyo

This Study Group aims to deepen participants’ understanding of advanced cryptographic technologies—such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), and multi-party computation (MPC)—not merely as tools or black-box primitives, but as systems whose underlying mathematical structures and design principles can be reconstructed and understood directly. Rather than focusing solely on the practical use of existing libraries, the program emphasizes the foundational theories behind these technologies. Participants will explore concepts such as arithmetic circuits, constraint systems, and polynomial commitments, examining why these constructions are able to guarantee both security and efficiency. The goal is to develop a structural understanding of the cryptographic foundations that support privacy-preserving computation and verifiable systems, bridging both mathematical theory and practical implementation. The program consists of seven sessions conducted over approximately seven weeks. Each session combines theoretical lectures, implementation exercises, and in-person discussions. In addition, participants will develop their own research or development projects as part of the program. By translating mathematical formulations into working code, participants will deepen their understanding of how these cryptographic systems function in practice. The ultimate objective is for participants to reach a level where they can independently design and implement systems incorporating privacy preservation and verifiability. By the end of the program, participants should be able to clearly articulate the relationship between modern cryptographic techniques and the foundational structures of blockchain systems.

Contemporary Art × Blockchain
Program Design and Lead: Kensuke Ito (The University of Tokyo)

This Study Group aims to support the creation of contemporary artworks—works that encapsulate interpretations of the present, particularly within the context of contemporary Japan. Participants begin from their own backgrounds and questions, and work toward articulating their personal context: how they interpret the present moment, and what kind of work they wish to leave for future generations. To support this objective, the SG does not impose restrictions on artistic media or format. Participants are free to work with painting, video, programming, installation, or other forms of artistic expression. While incorporating blockchain-related elements into the work is encouraged, it is not required. At the same time, participants are expected to engage with foundational knowledge of modern and contemporary art history, as well as the institutional frameworks through which contemporary art is evaluated. The program consists of six group-work sessions over approximately six weeks, followed by a production period of about one month. During the group sessions, participants will first receive introductory input on relevant art historical perspectives. They will also prepare assignments such as a written reflection addressing questions like: How do you interpret the contemporary moment, and how might your perspective connect with particular movements or tendencies in art history? Participants will summarize their ideas in a written document (at least one A4 page) prior to each session. These texts will then be exchanged and discussed among participants. In this SG, usefulness or reproducibility is not the primary criterion. Instead, the emphasis is placed on whether each participant can develop a line of thought and artistic context that they themselves find convincing. Through discussion and critique among participants, these contexts will be refined, ultimately leading to the creation of works that represent a personally meaningful response to the contemporary moment.

Mobility × Blockchain
Program Design and Lead: Kyohei Shibano (The University of Tokyo)

This Study Group examines the application of blockchain technologies in the mobility sector as a representative domain of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN). Using concrete topics such as vehicle identity, in-vehicle data, secondary vehicle markets, and battery lifecycle records, the program explores how physical infrastructure and real-world data can be managed, verified, and shared in decentralized ways. Rather than focusing solely on surface-level mechanisms such as NFTs or tokenization, the SG emphasizes a structural understanding of why trust, transparency, and verifiability are critical in mobility systems. Participants will examine the limitations and challenges of existing centralized management models and analyze them through the perspective of DePIN. The program addresses topics including vehicle identity management, market design based on sensor data collection and utilization, tamper-resistant auditing mechanisms, and lifecycle tracking in used vehicle and EV ecosystems. Through these discussions, participants will consider how decentralized infrastructure design may transform real-world mobility systems. Participants will analyze publicly available materials and real-world case studies, organizing discussions around global developments in standards and regulatory frameworks while also considering practical challenges specific to Japan. The SG therefore goes beyond purely technological discussions, incorporating institutional, operational, and economic constraints into the analysis. The SG will be conducted as a short program consisting of approximately four sessions. Each session will be centered on discussion and group work based on pre-session readings. Drawing on expert insights and practical case studies, participants will develop the ability to critically evaluate where decentralized infrastructure design is most appropriate, and where centralized approaches may remain preferable. By the end of the program, participants are expected to understand DePIN not merely as an abstract concept, but as a practical framework for designing data, trust, and value structures within the mobility sector. The goal is to enable participants to assess both the potential and the limitations of blockchain-based approaches in real-world mobility systems.

Web3 Product
Program Design and Lead: Superteam Japan

This Study Group takes a comprehensive view of Web3 product development, aiming to equip participants with the analytical frameworks needed to evaluate and refine new product ideas and business concepts. Rather than focusing on a single domain such as finance or cryptography, the SG approaches the Web3 ecosystem from a broader perspective, examining the evolving narratives that shape the industry as a whole. The program does not emphasize memorizing technical details or simply following emerging trends. Instead, participants analyze major categories such as DeFi, RWA, DePIN, Social, and AI × Web3 from a product perspective—examining what kinds of user value these systems provide and the types of market structures that support them. Through this process, participants develop the ability to distinguish between superficial, buzzword-driven ideas and well-founded product concepts, and to evaluate proposals in a structured and critical way. The program consists of six sessions conducted over approximately six weeks. In the first half, participants build a conceptual map of the Web3 ecosystem and examine the narratives shaping the industry. The middle sessions explore adoption cases within existing companies and financial institutions. In the final phase, startup case studies are used to analyze how Web3 products are developed through iterative hypotheses and decision-making processes. Each session combines lectures with discussion and Q&A, allowing participants to deepen their understanding through dialogue and critical examination. Rather than teaching a single “correct answer,” the goal of the SG is to help participants develop a playbook for structuring product ideas and translating them into validation, iteration, and operational strategies. By the end of the program, participants should be able to independently evaluate Web3 products and formulate informed next steps in product or business development.

High School Program
Program Design and Lead: Kyohei Shibano (The University of Tokyo)

This special program is designed for high school students who are interested in learning about blockchain technologies from foundational concepts to practical applications. The course is intended as an introductory yet structured learning opportunity for the next generation of students exploring the field of blockchain. The program is planned to take place primarily during the summer vacation period and will be organized in a format that allows high school students to participate more easily alongside their regular studies. The detailed curriculum and implementation format are currently under development. Further information will be published on this website once the program design is finalized. Please note that, unlike other SGs, detailed information for this program will not be released in April. The announcement will be made once the program design is completed.

> Schedule

February 27: Pre-registration opens
April: Formal application opens
June – August: Study Groups of the Applied Practice Program

> Eligibility and Selection

Who should apply

Individuals with a strong interest in the blockchain field
Those who are willing to engage in self-directed study and research
Individuals seeking to deepen their professional expertise

Selection process

Depending on the SG, applicants may be asked to complete assignments or participate in an interview during the application process
Selection procedures vary by Study Group

Participation from companies and organizations is also welcome.

> Application

Detailed application procedures are currently provided in Japanese only.
Please refer to the Japanese version of this website for application information and registration.

> Frequently Asked Questions

When will detailed information about each SG be released?

Detailed information for each Study Group, including schedules and curricula, is expected to be published around April.
Those who have submitted a pre-registration form will receive an email notification once the detailed information becomes available.

Is the program intended only for people who want to start a company?

No.
The primary purpose of the program is human resource development, and starting a company is not a requirement.
While there may be opportunities to explore cross-SG projects or connect with entrepreneurial support programs, participation is also welcome for those interested in strengthening their research capabilities, professional expertise, or analytical thinking.

Can I participate if I have a busy schedule?

Participants are expected to secure sufficient time for study during the program period.
Activities may include reading assigned materials, preparing presentations, and participating in discussions. Applicants should ensure that they can allocate adequate time before applying.

How difficult is the program?

The expected level of prior knowledge and the learning goals differ depending on the Study Group. Please refer to the description of each SG for details.
Overall, the program is designed around a format in which participants independently review literature, interpret and organize the material, and present their perspectives for discussion. The learning style is similar to a graduate-level seminar in science and engineering programs.

I am concerned about keeping up with the program. Are there materials I can study in advance?

Each SG will provide recommended readings or reference materials for participants to review beforehand.
Further details will be published on the respective SG pages.

Can I use generative AI tools?

Yes. The use of generative AI is encouraged.
Participants are expected to make effective use of AI tools when reading literature, organizing arguments, and generating ideas, while continuing to develop their own understanding. Final interpretations and discussions, however, remain the responsibility of each participant.

Will the sessions be online or in person?

The format varies depending on the Study Group. Please refer to the description of each SG for details.
Some SGs may prioritize in-person discussions and therefore primarily operate offline.

Is English proficiency required?

Some SGs may use English-language materials.
Advanced English proficiency is not necessarily required, but participants should be willing to read English references when necessary. In some cases, discussions may also be conducted in English when international guests are invited.

Can I participate even if I have not taken the Blockchain Open Lecture Course?

Yes.
However, some SGs assume that participants have a basic understanding of blockchain concepts. Please check the description of each SG for details.

Can participants join from companies or organizations?

Yes. Participation from companies and organizations is expected to be accepted.
Details regarding corporate participation will be announced separately.

Is there a participation fee?

The program is generally free of charge.
However, participants may need to purchase certain materials or reference books. The policy regarding participation from companies or organizations is still under consideration.

Can I join or leave the program midway?

Participants are expected to attend the program for its full duration.
If unavoidable circumstances arise, please consult with the program organizers at the time of application. Please also refer to the schedule and curriculum described for each SG.

Is there a selection process?

Depending on the number of applicants and the capacity of each SG, a selection process may be conducted.
Applicants may be asked to submit assignments or participate in interviews as part of the selection process.

If I want to participate in multiple SGs, do I need to pass the selection for each one?

If you are accepted into at least one SG, you may participate in other SG activities as well.
However, some SG schedules may overlap, and each SG is designed with a substantial academic workload. Participants are therefore encouraged to focus primarily on their main SG and join additional SG activities only if they have sufficient capacity.